Mission
The Mission of Virginia's Year of The Peer Initiative is to celebrate champions of recovery, unify Peer Recovery Specialists, and build bridges of understanding with clinical colleagues, community partners, and organizations across Virginia.
Vision
We envision Virginia as an integrated recovery-oriented system of care where Peer Recovery Specialists are valued for being champions, building connection, and offering support to individuals with mental health and substance use challenges.
Key Note Speakers
We are excited to announce this year's keynote speakers!
VIRGINIA YEAR OF THE PEER 2024
Upcoming Local & Regional Events
SAARA of Virginia is thrilled to announce the launch of the Mini Grant Program in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Office of Recovery Services (ORS), in support of the Year of the Peer 2024 initiative.
Overview:
The Mini Grant Program aims to support organizations actively engaged in behavioral health (SUD & Mental Health) peer advocacy, education, or support initiatives. With a focus on promoting the Year of the Peer 2024 campaign, the program underscores the crucial role of peer support in fostering recovery and community wellness.
Grant Amount:
Up to $2500 per applicant.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Organizations must be a 501(c)3 based in Virginia and actively involved in behavioral health advocacy, education, or support activities.
2. Proposed initiatives must align with the objectives of the Year of the Peer 2024 campaign, emphasizing the importance of peer support in promoting recovery and wellness and/or support of Recovery Month.
3. Applicants must demonstrate a clear plan for how the grant funds will be utilized to support peer-focused activities, events, Recovery Month or sponsorships.
Application Process:
Interested organizations should submit a grant application detailing their proposed initiative, including objectives, target audience, timeline, and budget breakdown. Applications should also explain how the proposed initiative aligns with the Year of the Peer 2024 campaign goals. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of representatives from SAARA and DBHDS-ORS.
Application Deadlines:
Round 1: June 30, 2024 (Application Period: June 1st - June 15th, 2024)
Round 2: August 31st, 2024 (Application Period: August 1 - August 15th, 2024)
Contact Information: For inquiries or to request a grant application once opened, please contact Kate Little at katel@saara.org or
804-762-4445.
YOTP24 TOOLKIT IS HERE!
MORE TO COME SOON!
Instructions: Click on each graphic to save and download.
YOTP: Peers SOAR In 2024 Virtual Background
Official YOTP: Peers SOAR In 2024 Logo
Full Color Design
YOTP: Peers SOAR In 2024 Logo
Black Monotone
YOTP: Peer Soar In 2024 PHOTO FRAME
YOTP24: Peers SOAR In 2024
Song Submission
"SOAR"
Written By: James Swisher (Peer Recovery Specialist Intern With Robin's Hope)
Performed By: Lauren Swisher (James' Sister)
Thank You For This Beautiful Song!
VIRGINIA YEAR OF THE PEER 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
"WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS"
Click button or click logo below to watch video.
Follow us on Facebook